Oil Filter Wrench

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Hi,

Will be attempting my first oil change at some point in the near future. I dont have anything to take off the old oil filter.

What tool do people recommend for taking off the old filter - chain or strap type wrench or something else ?

Sorry if this has been discussed before, the wiki just says wrench and a quick search didn't bring anything up.
Thanks in advance.

[Ian Hulley]

It should only be 'hand tight' anyway, just for the first time taking the old one off I'd suggest a strap wrench BUT put the new one on by hand after oiling it's seal with fresh engine oil (4.5 litres of 15w/40 Mineral)

You should also use a fresh sump plug washer and be carefull not to over-tighten the plug when you refit it.

Ian

[pionte]

Give the old one a good clean so that it is dry and not slippery, then grab hold firmly and undo anti clockwise, it should move by hand, if not the yes use a chain, strap or ring type removing tool. But you can also use a big flat blade screwdriver on the edge closest to the engine, give it a few taps with a hammer and it will soon free up, you can also put the screwdriver right through the filter and use like a t bar, this is messy but will get it of without the expense of buying a special tool.

[aisha]

^I've used the screwdriver method for an old motorbike. Messy but gets the job done (especially when the clearances are tight and you can't put a filter socket on the end)

[croc]

Apologies to the others but you'll be lucky to be able to loosen old filter by hand, particularly if its been on a while!

Definitly a strap type and put the sewed joint through the metal hexagon. My first change with new van it tore the stitches in the strap!
You can use a ring type spanner or socket as the tool on the hex bit.
I have also had a filter blow the rubber ring seal, only once, so now always tighten new filter a LIITLE with the strap wrench.

Sump plug - use a little PTFE sometimes called plumbers tape on the threads only - try not to let tape move over the threaded end. A couple of uncovered threads is better than too much.

And most important - as Ian says gently, gently when tightening the sump plug, probably just a little more than hand tight but using a spanner.

[bigherb]

This end on type is one of the best particularly for recessed air cooled filters.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-LEG-2-WAY-O ... 4d142fe319" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[croc]

Do these have the hex end Herb?
Cant remember and what size?
Same as motorbike ones?

[R0B]

I use one of these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRIVE-1-2-OIL ... 51b40f03e7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[croc]

Yeah that type Rob.
I often do 2 oils per 1 filter so the strap doesnt damage filter body.

[bigherb]

Do these have the hex end Herb?
Cant remember and what size?
Same as motorbike ones?

They work with any of the filter ends they just grip on the sides of the filter the arms are long enough to bypass any welded on hex on the end of the filter, comes with a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet or extension adapter.
CU engines use the widest diameter filter @ 95mm all the others 77mm

[rob1927]

I've removed them in the past with the leather belt from my jeans, no special tools required. I wrapped the belt around the filter, threaded the belt through the buckle, pulled the belt up till the belt tightens around the filter and grips/locks on, and pull it when locked, anticlockwise to loosen the filter, remove belt when filter is loose and then remove by hand.

Of course theres no substitute for the proper tools, but it worked fine for me.

[keytouch]

I've removed them in the past with the leather belt from my jeans, no special tools required. I wrapped the belt around the filter, threaded the belt through the buckle, pulled the belt up till the belt tightens around the filter and grips/locks on, and pull it when locked, anticlockwise to loosen the filter, remove belt when filter is loose and then remove by hand.

Of course theres no substitute for the proper tools, but it worked fine for me.

Do you have to have an assistant to hold up your trousers whilst doing this?

[AdrianC]

I've tried chain wrenches, I've tried strap wrenches, I've tried filter-specific spanners...

Nothing works for me like a pair of oil filter pliers...

[Jeff J]

Tie a loop in the end of a length of rope/thick twine, big enough to go over a short bar/stick wrap the rope/twine twice round the filter & use the stick/bar as a lever. Works just the same as any strap of chain device.

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Thanks for the feedback people.

Going to see how tight it is and see if I can get away with an old leather belt or similar.

I've got a new sump plug washer - putting this back seems to be the part of the process to take v carefully. As the wiki says , you can always tighten later if it leaks.